Mexican authorities have extended the list of steel products subject to tariffs for imports from countries that do not have a free trade agreement with Mexico, Kallanish learns from the local Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).

A 15% tariff will be imposed on imports of slab and alloy steel classified under HS codes 7207.12.01, 7207.12.99 and 7224.90.02. Mexican authorities note that imports of such products have increased since the products were exempted from import tax measures imposed in June. As reported, the import taxes were first introduced in October 2015, and were extended in early June until the end of November 2018.

“Imports of slab of non-alloy steel and alloy steel from countries that do not have trade agreements with Mexico have increased more than 150%,” the DOF statement says. “As a result, it is urgent and necessary to protect such products with temporary import duties for a period that allows monitoring of the market.”

Before the summer ArcelorMittal Mexico called for the government to also include slab in the list of goods subject to the import tariffs.